Campaigners in Guernsey have collected hundreds of signatures in a petition calling for civil partnership in the Crown Dependency.

Out Of The Shadows have gained over 700 supporters for their campaign during the last six months. They told the BBC that they intend to present the petition to politicians later this month.

“It’s time Guernsey brought itself into line with other places,” explained William Ceillam, a member of Out Of The Shadows. “Hopefully the support we’ve got will show there are calls within the island to bring it into Guernsey.”

The campaign began after the States of Guernsey – the island’s legislature – lowered the age of consent for gay sex to 16 in 2010. Following this move, politicians indicated that they were not intending to revisit LGBT rights for another four years.

Out Of The Shadows argue that further equality legislation is needed in Guernsey. They cite the island’s lack of disability discrimination laws as well unequal marriage provisions.

As a British Crown Dependency, the Bailiwick of Guernsey is not a part of the United Kingdom and has the power to pass its own laws.

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